nghẹn

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "nghẹn" is primarily an adjective that translates to "choked" or "strangled" in English. It is used to describe a feeling of tightness or blockage in the throat or chest, often due to strong emotions or physical sensations.

Basic Meaning:

1. Choked/Strangled: This can refer to the sensation when someone is unable to speak clearly or breathe easily because of emotion (like sadness or anger) or because of a physical obstruction (like food stuck in the throat).

Usage Instructions:

• Emotionally: You can use "nghẹn" when someone is feeling overwhelmed by strong feelings, such as crying or being very moved.
• Physically: It can also refer to the act of choking on food or drink.

Examples:

1. Emotional Context:

   • "Cô ấy cảm thấy nghẹn khi nghe tin buồn."
   • (She felt choked when she heard the sad news.)

2. Physical Context:

   • "Tôi đã nghẹn khi ăn miếng thịt quá lớn."
   • (I choked when eating a piece of meat that was too large.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Nghẹn" can also be used metaphorically in literature or poetry to express deep emotional states. For example, it can describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by nostalgia or heartbreak.

Word Variants:

1. Nghẹn ngào: This phrase combines "nghẹn" with "ngào," which means to sob or cry softly. It describes a deep, emotional cry where the person is choked up.
   • Example: "Anh ta nghẹn ngào khi nhớ về quá khứ."
   • (He was choked up when remembering the past.)

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "nghẹn" can also refer to a blockage or clogging in a more general sense, such as a feeling of being stuck or unable to express oneself clearly.

Synonyms:

• Chết nghẹn: This means "to be dead choked," often used to describe an extreme case of choking.
• Thắt nghẹn: This means "tightened" or "constricted," often used for emotional contexts.

Summary:

"Ngẹn" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that captures both physical sensations and emotional experiences. Whether someone is choking on food or feeling overwhelmed by emotions, "ngẹn" effectively conveys that feeling of tightness or blockage.

Academic

adj

1. choked; strangled